Dr. Sunny Olukunle Phillips

Dr. Sunny Olukunle Phillips is a seasoned public health leader and advocate with over two decades of experience in advancing health systems, policy advocacy, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

Dr. Phillips has held impactful leadership roles in organizations such as FHI360, Palladium Global-USAID’s Integrated Health Program, and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria. His notable achievements include spearheading initiatives to scale up HIV care, training over 40,000 healthcare providers, and developing tools to enhance primary healthcare delivery and sustainability. His deep expertise in health systems strengthening and multi-stakeholder engagement has resulted in collaborative engagements with organizations and global partners like USAID, the CDC, World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

As a certified coach, mentor, and passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Dr. Phillips has inspired teams and emerging leaders to achieve transformative results. His leadership philosophy is rooted in equity, sustainability, and collaboration, values he continues to champion in his role at Smile Train.

In his capacity as Program Director, West Africa + Lead, Policy & Advocacy, Africa, Dr. Phillips works with the guidance of Smile Train’s Vice President and Regional Director for Africa and Global Director for Policy and Advocacy to amplify the organization’s advocacy efforts. He is dedicated to strengthening systemic healthcare improvements, expanding cleft care accessibility, and fostering partnerships that will create lasting, positive changes for children and families across the continent.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Phillips balances his life with enriching pursuits as a singer, composer, trumpet player, and beekeeper. He resides in Abeokuta, Nigeria, with his family.